Fishing Report 12.19.2022

On the south end… Good reports with a mixed bag for many.  Walleyes and saugers are the norm with eelpout, jumbo perch, pike, tullibees and even some sturgeon in the mix also.

Most fishing is taking place in 22 – 28′ of water.  Some reports of decent walleye fishing shallower as well, in the 18 – 21′ depths but not as many fish or variety of fish. 

Jigging with your favorite jigging spoon with a minnow head or tail has been consistent.  Pink, gold, glow, orange, and chartreuse or a combo of these colors in the stained waters of LOW has been good.  Using a #5 Rippin Rap in gold or pink UV Firetiger has been successful also.

On the deadstick, a live minnow on a plain red hook or a small ice jig with a minnow has been effective.  

Ice conditions are good but vary across the south shore.  As ice thickens, cracks popping up in areas, as happens every year.  Some sleeper houses are out and with the cold weather, weight limits have been naturally increasing along with thickening ice.  Check with each ice road operator for specifics.

Please remember to Keep It Clean, pack out what you packed in.  It is appreciated.

On the Rainy River…   The Rainy River is frozen up and ice fishing is taking place on a few different areas of the river.  A jig and a minnow is working well for walleyes and saugers.

Ice conditions vary and on the river there is current, so much like the lake, we encourage visitors to work through a resort or outfitter for safety.  

Up at the NW Angle… Some NW Angle resorts have pulled fish houses out and are fishing.  Other Angle resorts will stick with their normal schedule and begin just after Christmas.  Initial fishing reports are very good with nice walleyes in the mix.  Stay in touch with your favorite NW Angle resort for further info.

The snowmobile trail from the Wheeler’s Point area up to the Angle is staked and open.

Driving through Canada to the Angle no longer requires COVID vaccinations or the use of the ArriveCan App.

For those looking to access the Angle while avoiding customs, there are few options.  

1.  The snowmobile trail is staked from the south shore up to the Angle.

2.  The Lake of the Woods Passenger service provides round trip bombardier service across the lake.  

3.  Lake Country Air provides air service to both the south end and NW Angle.

A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.